Lifeguard Class in Merced County CPR/AED, First Aid, and Rescue Skills

When visiting beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Merced County, you will often see lifeguards on duty working to keep swimmers safe. A lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to help prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies, which is why professional instruction is essential. A lifeguard class in Merced County is designed to prepare individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Swimming is a popular recreational activity, and Merced County offers many aquatic environments where people enjoy the water. From lakes and public pools to waterparks and recreation facilities, these locations require trained lifeguards to maintain safe conditions. As water activity increases during warmer months, the demand for certified lifeguards also rises, especially during the summer season when aquatic facilities are busiest.

Lifeguard class in Merced County

Lifeguards serve at aquatic facilities throughout Merced County to ensure swimmer safety. With a variety of water recreation locations in the area, there are strong opportunities for individuals who want to work in lifeguarding as a responsible and rewarding profession.

A lifeguard class in Merced County is the first step toward building a future in the aquatics field. After earning certification through a trusted organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are better prepared to apply for lifeguard positions at pools, waterparks, lakes, and other aquatic facilities.

ALA training centers offer multiple lifeguard class programs and certifications. While demand for lifeguards is highest during the summer months, training and job opportunities remain available year-round due to indoor pools and aquatic programs that operate throughout the year.

With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Certification through ALA is recognized by many employers and reflects a strong commitment to safety, responsibility, and professionalism.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing drowning incidents and improving aquatic safety.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To support this goal, ALA works directly with employers across the country to train lifeguards and promote effective safety standards.

The American Lifeguard Association has been referenced by public health and safety organizations, including:

• The  CDC Healthy Swimming  Program

• The U.S. Department of Labor

• The U.S. General Service Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA has ensured its programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Instruction also reflects current ECC science and incorporates findings from the Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Class in Merced County

To enroll in the ALA lifeguard class in Merced County, candidates must meet the following minimum age requirements:

• 15 years or older to work at swimming pools, waterparks, or lakes

• 16 years or older to work at beaches or waterfront facilities

Candidates must also demonstrate the following prerequisite skills to successfully complete the course:

Swimming Requirements

Swim 300 yards continuously, using:

• 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing kick

• 100 yards of breaststroke using a pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence

• 100 yards of front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination of both)

Timed Skill Test

Complete the following within 1 minute and 40 seconds:

• Begin in the water and swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke

• Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object

• Swim 20 yards back while holding the object

• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

Upon successful completion, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.

Lifeguard Class in Merced County: Long-Term Career Opportunities

Although many people view lifeguarding as a seasonal job, it can develop into a long-term career. Year-round employment opportunities are available at indoor pools and aquatic centers.

With additional certifications, lifeguards can advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions offer higher wages, leadership responsibilities, and long-term career growth in aquatic safety.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Class in Merced County

Participants in the ALA lifeguard class program develop essential skills in rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry

• Stride and Compact Jumps

• Rescue Approach (Front Crawl or Breaststroke)

• Simple Assist

• Extension Assist from the Deck

• Reaching and Throwing Assists

• Swimming Extension Rescue

• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues

• Two-Person Backboard Removal

• Passive Submerged Victim (Shallow Water)

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Feet-First Surface Dive

• Submerged Victim Recovery (Deep Water)

• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Spinal Injury Care Skills

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on land

• Backboard Use for Standing Victims

• Head Splint and Chin Support Techniques

• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims

• Backboard Use in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves

• Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (Adult, Child, Infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Use (Two Rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care

• CPR (One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer)

• AED Use for Adults and Children

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Control of External Bleeding

• Application of Slings, Binders, and Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim

• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

Final Wave

The main purpose of a lifeguard class is to keep swimmers safe at all times. Lifeguards often supervise their zones from elevated chairs, patrol open-water areas, and use rescue equipment or binoculars when needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers, with more than 30 years of experience. ALA follows a strict code of ethics and remains committed to delivering high-quality instruction worldwide.

If you are searching for “lifeguard class near me” in Merced County, the American Lifeguard Association is the right choice. For more information about the ALA lifeguard class and certification programs, please contact us.